Transforming the San Antonio Community One Life at a Time

It all began in 2012, when Jay and Nancy Soliz decided they were ready to start their family and become parents. They weren’t sure how their journey would begin or what it would look like, but when a close friend shared his wonderful adoption experience with Pathways, they felt it was a good sign. That same week, Jay and Nancy connected with Pathways and began what would become a deep, decades-long partnership.

Working closely with their Pathways case manager, Jay and Nancy completed all required training and began fostering 14-month-old Miguel. Time flew by and after a year and a half, these now confident parents were thrilled to formally adopt Miguel.

Just one month after adopting Miguel, the Solizes received a call from Pathways about another child in need. There was a 2-week-old premature baby named Edward, currently in the neonatal intensive care unit, who needed a loving family. Jay and Nancy sprang into action and visited Edward that same day. Partnering with Pathways for Miguel’s adoption helped give the Solizes the confidence they needed, and they made the decision to foster Edward on the spot. They brought Edward home just three days later.

During an initial call with the couple, a Pathways caseworker assured Jay and Nancy that Pathways would be supporting them throughout the process.

“Pathways really came through. The team made sure we had everything we needed to create a safe, loving home for Edward. They quickly got us a crib – made sure we had diapers, onesies, moral support – really, everything. The level of support was incredible.” - Jay Soliz, Foster and Adoptive Parent

After a few short years of fostering, Jay and Nancy again made the decision to formally adopt Edward, completing their family of four. 

"Jay and Nancy are exceptional parents, raising capable young men who will be our next generation’s leaders. In addition to transforming individual lives, successful fostering and adoptions truly transform communities and generations. It’s hard to find a better example of this than the Soliz family." – Melinda Guthrie, Pathways Chief Development Officer

Through very busy years, Jay has remained connected with Pathways and looked for opportunities to give back to the organization that brought her family together.

She found a way in September of 2023. Jay had worked for Kohl’s for 12 years and was active in their volunteer program. When the program began seeking organizations in the San Antonio community to support, Jay immediately suggested Pathways.

Jay Soliz, center with sunglasses, surrounded by Kohl’s volunteer team and Pathway staff during a recent Habilitative Homes project.

Nearly 100 volunteer hours later, Kohl’s partnership with Pathways has helped raise awareness throughout the San Antonio community.

In addition to their support of Habilitative Homes, the Kohl’s team has supported Pathways with local events for foster families and service projects for Pathways’ Mosaic Behavioral Health programs. From painting to organizing playrooms and facility upkeep projects, Jay and the Kohl’s team continue to provide valuable services to Pathways and to the entire San Antonio community.

Scroll below to see other recent volunteer-supported projects that have made a significant impact on the lives of our children at Habilitative Homes.

Pathways Youth and Family Services

Pathways Development